BEDFORD, Va. – Members of the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office seized 26 dogs while serving a search warrant related to animal cruelty and hoarding in the Goodview area of the county on Tuesday afternoon.
After receiving a Crime Stoppers tip, authorities responded to a home in the 1500 block of Eagleview Road, about 30 minutes outside of Roanoke, and when they went to knock on the door, they smelled ammonia and then got a search warrant, according to Sheriff Mike Miller.
Thomas Duggins, 71, of Goodview, was arrested at the scene and at this time, faces 10 counts of animal neglect. More charges could be filed against Duggins, according to the Sheriff’s Office. After his arrested, he was released on bond.
The Sheriff’s Office thanked the nonprofit organization Friends of Bedford County Animal Shelter and Dr. Ryan at Riverside Veterinarian Hospital for their help in this investigation, as deputies were able to transport all of the animals away from the scene to receive treatment and be housed.
For those interested in helping the rescued dogs, the Sheriff’s Office recommended giving donations to Friends of Bedford County Animal Shelter. You can click here to go to the nonprofit’s donation page.
Below is a Facebook Live from Sydney Jaxtheimer recorded at 3:45 p.m.